The Farr Side: Admiration for Clive Davis continues to dwindle

I once had great admiration for music mogul Clive Davis, until the past few years.

Davis is the man behind Arista Records and is a key to the career success of numerous artists, including Houston, Barry Manilow, Rod Stewart and countless others.

His latest memoir, "The Soundtrack Of My Life," gives an in-depth look into his life, the music and the stars with whom he worked with through the years.

I say "used to be a great admirer" because I believe he let Houston down by not doing more for her during her lowest moments. After all, he did make it quite known that she was his greatest find.

Davis' role on "Idol" wasn't particularly my favorite, either. I understand that at the time he was the man giving away the record contract, but I often thought he was too "old school" for the show. Sometimes his thoughts were off-base from where the contestants stood or the direction music was going at the time.

Davis' role on "Idol" wasn't particularly my favorite, either. I understand that at the time he was the man giving away the record contract, but I often thought he was too "old school" for the show. Sometimes his thoughts were off-base from where the contestants stood or where the direction music was going at the time.

Kelly Clarkson was the first "American Idol" winner, so it was a gamble for Davis not knowing if a show like this could actually produce a star.

First, how could you watch "Idol" that first season and not see Clarkson's potential? Her voice was amazing, no matter what song she was singing.

If he was so great at finding talent, her win should not have been a surprise. America got it right when they voted her the winner.

Davis wants to take credit for a lot — just read the book. But Clarkson's success is not due to his input. He may have given her the record deal, but it was her drive, vocal talent and desire to make it in the business that made her a star.

I was put off by his degrading comments of her in his book. He degrades the Grammy-winning singer's songwriting. He even goes as far as saying she "hysterically sobbed" once when he demanded she remove a song from her album.

Clarkson categorically denies that happened, calling it "false information." She also released the statement, "I refuse to be bullied and I just have to clear up his memory lapses and misinformation for myself and for my fans."

I have every reason to believe her. The album in question was her personal "My December," on which Clarkson co-penned most of the tracks. Davis was quite stupid to have not seen the strength in the songs on that album. Some are among her best.

"My December" was allotted only one single in the U.S., the powerful "Never Again." The disc spawned five hit singles in Europe.

Davis is proof that just because you're a so-called "mogul," you don't know everything. Following is an account of how well Clarkson fared among the Top 100 "American Idol" hits of all-time, according to Billboard. She placed 18 songs, including the No. 1 spot for the Grammy-winning song "Since U Been Gone."